Gary Charles has left non-league side Nuneaton Town - and admitted he found out through social media.

The former Derby County defender was appointed manager in March, and has seemingly been replaced by Nicky Eaden - formerly of Barnsley and Wigan Athletic.

Charles landed his first job in management at Nuneaton 16 years after hanging up his boots - he took over the National North League outfit after doing scouting work for Roy Keane and Sean Dyche.

Bizarrely, he wrote on social media on Saturday that he had no knowledge of his departure and no contact with chairman Lee Thorn. He had previously tweeted fans to confirm he was still in charge at Liberty Way.

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"Found out through Twitter that I am no longer manager at Nuneaton Borough FC," he said.

"Not had any contact with the chairman to let me know so I just want to say thank you to the fans for your fantastic support, to the players and staff I wish you all the best for future."

Charles' first game was a 1-1 draw at Alfreton Town on Good Friday before going on to lead the side to a 13th place finish in the division - he had been planning for the new campaign which would see Nuneaton return to the name Nuneaton Borough

There was no mention of Charles or any impending departure on the club’s website, which just confirmed Eaden, a former Boro caretaker boss, as their new permanent manager.

"The time felt right to take the next step and become a manager, and this opportunity was perfect for me," Eaden told the club .

"I have known Lee Thorn since we were at Kettering at the same time, so I have kept in touch with him, and due to my posts at Leicester and then Coventry I have watched Nuneaton a lot over the years.

"With the changes this summer, including the club becoming Borough again, this is like a new start for everyone.

"I have about half a dozen players already under contract, which gives me a good start, and I have a list of targets we are hoping to bring to the club."

"In the light of the recent announcement of Nicky Eaden as the club's new Manager, Nuneaton Town have clarified the status of Gary Charles' position whilst with the club," it read.

"Gary never had a contract and was working for the club on an informal basis to guide them through to the end of the season. We believed that the situation was clear and regret that it has led to such confusion.

"We'd like to thank Gary for his time and wish him all of the best for the future."

Gary Charles in action for Derby County

Charles had been the director of football at the University of Nottingham for the last four years and was assistant manager at Lincoln City, but was yet to take charge of a senior club, prior to his appointment at Nuneaton.

A former England international, Charles played 61 times, for Derby, earning himself a place in the 1993/94 PFA Team of the Year having joined from Nottingham Forest - for whom he featured in the 1991 FA Cup final.

He went on to play for Aston Villa, Benfica and West Ham.

The former right-back has fought a long battle with alcoholism dating back to his playing days, but he now runs his own clinic - GCSports Care - for professionals with addiction problems and other off-field issues.